Hayes student receives Outstanding Young Woman award

A Delaware Hayes High School senior was recently named a Zonta Outstanding Young Woman for Central Ohio.

Hayes High School Counselor Jennifer Pollard said she nominated senior Tessa Perry for the award because she is an example to other students.

“We chose Tessa because she is a quiet leader and role model for others,” Pollard said. Perry is involved in both orchestra, choir, theater and takes a Spanish course at Ohio Wesleyan University during the school day, she said.

But Pollard said it’s more than just the extra-curricular activities that set Perry apart.

“Tessa ‘pays it forward’ in our community,” Pollard said. “She is very involved in her church, Tri-M Music Honor Society, and National Honor Society, and through these organizations, she has participated in a number of community service events within our community and has also taken on leadership roles in these organizations to lead and develop other members, helping them to reach their potential.”

Perry said she received the application from Pollard in November but didn’t expect she would get it.

“I didn’t think I would be picked,” Perry said. “I was definitely excited and honored.”

Perry said she will be attending Miami University in the fall to study diplomacy and global politics and hopes to spend time in the Peace Corps.

“I want to serve others,” Perry said. “I’m really interested in learning about other cultures and languages. I’m really interested in solving problems and working with other nations.”

Founded in 1919, Zonta International is a global service organization of executives and professionals working together to empower women and girls through service and advocacy. Zonta members volunteer their time, talents and money to local and international service projects, as well as scholarships and award programs aimed at furthering women’s education, leadership and youth development. Nearly 30,000 members belong to more than 1,200 Zonta Clubs in 67 countries and geographic areas.

“I’m excited to have receive the award,” Perry said. “Zonta stands for a lot of the international, cross-cultural aid that I want to do for the rest of my life, so to be recognized by them inspires me.”

Perry was one of twelve central Ohio students to receive the award.

“Tessa is also one of the most positive and kindest students that I have ever worked with,” Pollard said. “She truly cares about other people.”